Cornwall Wedding Photographer | Laura and Tom
Laura and Tom’s engagement session at Holywell Bay began in the most unpredictable way with the weather acting like a toddler having a full blown tantrum. Roughly an hour before we met, the heavens opened as it does in Cornwall, and it genuinely looked as though the shoot might have to be postponed even though Laura and Tom had travelled down from Bristol, and spent the weekend in Newquay for the shoot specifically so I really didn't want to do this.
And then as I pulled up in the carpark next to them, the weather shifted and I couldn't believe I even mentioned the idea of changing the shoot; it was beautiful. By the time we reached the bay, the rain had cleared, the sun had started to break through the cloud, and the whole beach was wrapped in that soft, post-storm light that photographers dream of for shoots like this.
We kept the approach intentionally relaxed as they were slightly nervous about the shoot.
Both Laura and Tom confessed to me that they were nervous about having professional photos but thats exactly why engagement photos are perfect for confidence. There was no strict plan for them, just movement and responsiveness to wherever we ended up down in the bay. I suggested that we started in the dunes on the northern side, taking in the views before looping back on the beach as the light begins to drop.
Holywell Bay never really feels the same twice. On this occasion, the tide had pushed right up the beach, the wind was strong, and everything felt slightly wild and unpredictable. It suited the mood of the shoot perfectly, and gave the whole session that natural, relaxed feel I always love when photographing couples in Cornwall.
"If I'm to be totally honest I don't like the feeling of Sand, but its totally worth it"
Laura and Tom settled into the shoot effortlessly. There was no overthinking, just conversation, laughter, and an easy closeness that developed without any need for direction. Early on, Tom mentioned he isn’t particularly fond of sand, which felt slightly ironic given the setting and I don't think I'll ever forget, but it quickly became part of the humour of the session. Those small, unplanned moments often end up defining the shoot.
Even with the wind cutting across the beach, they embraced the conditions completely. At one point they ended up in the shallow water, shoes abandoned, getting caught by the sea while the sky stayed heavy and dramatic overhead. It wasn’t warm, but that didn’t matter; it felt real, a little chaotic, and entirely authentic.
"We took a chance with the weather and Ryan’s encouragement has rewarded us with the most stunning photographs, we haven’t stopped admiring them!"
Laura and Tom are getting married later this year at Coombe Lodge which is a stunning venue in Bristol, and if this session is anything to go by, their wedding day will be just as genuine, joyful, and full of the quiet in-between moments that matter most. Coombe Lodge is one of my favourite venues to capture weddings, and also the sister venue of several other venues including Priston Mill which i regularly visit.
Thinking about proposing in Cornwall, or looking to book some relaxed engagement photos?
If you’re planning a wedding in Cornwall and want photography that feels natural, relaxed, and genuinely reflective of the day, I’d love to hear more about your plans. Whether it’s an engagement session on the coast or a full days wedding, lets book in a discovery call to start the conversation and see what we can plan together.
